Trauma Therapy in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Something feels off, maybe it has for a while. You might not have the words for it yet, or maybe you do but haven't known where to turn. Whether you're carrying something specific or just a quiet sense that the past is still with you, you don't have to keep navigating it alone.
What trauma can look like:
Trauma doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. It can affect how you think, feel, and move through daily life, sometimes long after the event has passed. Many people don’t immediately recognize their experiences as trauma, but still feel its impact.
You might notice:
Trouble sleeping — difficulty falling or staying asleep, restless nights, or feeling exhausted even after rest
Feeling on edge or shut down — a constant sense of alertness, irritability, or anxiety, or the opposite: feeling numb, disconnected, or “checked out”
Difficulty trusting others — pulling away in relationships, fearing vulnerability, or feeling unsafe even with people you care about
Intrusive thoughts or memories — unwanted thoughts, flashbacks, or emotional reactions that seem to come out of nowhere
You may also notice things like overthinking, people-pleasing, burnout, or a harsh inner critic — without fully understanding why. These responses aren't signs that something is wrong with you. They're often your mind and body's way of trying to protect you after overwhelming experiences.
These experiences and the ways they show up in daily life are exactly what trauma-informed therapy is designed to help with.
Trauma can take many forms
Trauma isn't always what people expect it to be. It doesn't have to be a single dramatic event — for many people, it developed slowly, in relationships or environments where they should have felt safe but didn't.
Some experiences that can lead to trauma include:
Childhood experiences — growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe home, emotional or physical neglect, or never quite feeling like you could relax or just be a kid
Relational and attachment trauma — betrayal, toxic or controlling relationships, narcissistic abuse, or early connections that left you feeling unseen, unsafe, or alone
Loss and grief — the death of someone close, sudden or unexpected loss, or grief that still feels raw and unresolved long after it happened
Life-altering events — accidents, medical emergencies, invasive procedures, or a diagnosis that changed everything
Sexual trauma — sexual assault, abuse, or experiences of violation at any point in life
Workplace or institutional trauma — chronic stress, harassment, or situations where you felt powerless and unheard
Identity-based trauma — repeated experiences of discrimination, marginalization, or not being seen or valued for who you are
You don't need to have a name for what happened to deserve support. If past experiences are still shaping how you feel, how you relate to others, or how you move through your days: that's enough.
What trauma- informed care means here:
Feel safe, not overwhelmed
Therapy should feel steady and supportive, not intense or unpredictable. We create a space where you can exhale, knowing you won’t be pushed beyond what feels manageable.Stay in control of your story
You decide what to share and when. There’s no pressure to revisit painful experiences before you’re ready: your boundaries are respected at every step.Heal at a pace that works for you
There’s no rush to “get through” your trauma. We move in a way that feels sustainable, focusing first on helping you feel more grounded, stable, and resourced.Process without reliving
You don’t have to re-experience everything to heal. Together, we’ll use approaches that support healing while keeping you anchored in the present and supported throughout.
What sessions feel like
Starting therapy can feel uncertain, so it helps to know what to expect. Our work together is collaborative and guided by you, not something being done to you. There's no pressure to share everything at once; we move at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable.
Sessions are designed to help you feel grounded and steady, with practical tools to help regulate emotions as they arise. At any point, you can pause, slow down, or shift the focus. Your comfort and sense of control are always a priority.
I specialize in EMDR, an evidence-based treatment that helps the brain and nervous system process experiences that feel stuck so they no longer hold the same emotional weight.
FAQs about trauma-informed therapy
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No. In fact, we often don’t start there. Early sessions focus on helping you feel comfortable, building trust, and developing tools to manage stress or overwhelm. You’ll never be pushed to share more than you’re ready for, when and if you choose to talk about difficult experiences, we’ll approach it together in a way that feels safe and manageable. You are in charge of the pace.
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That’s completely okay. Many people have gaps in their memory, especially around overwhelming or painful experiences. Therapy isn’t about having a perfect or complete narrative, it’s about how your experiences are affecting you now. We can work with what you do remember, as well as present-day thoughts, emotions, and patterns.
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It shouldn’t be. A trauma-informed approach is designed specifically to avoid overwhelm. We go at a pace that feels steady and supportive, with regular check-ins and tools to help you stay grounded. The goal is not to relive the past, but to help you process experiences in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
Getting Started
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, so I aim to make the process simple, clear, and low-pressure.
Free consultation
I offer a brief, no-cost 15 minute consultation where you can ask questions, share what’s bringing you in, and get a feel for whether this approach is right for you. There’s no obligation, just a chance to connect and explore your options. Sessions are available in-person in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as well as through secure telehealth for clients in Ohio and Florida.
Easy ways to connect
You can reach out in whatever way feels most comfortable, through a simple contact form or by scheduling directly using the booking link below. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you reach out; a few words about what you’re looking for is enough to get started.
What happens next
After you contact me, you can expect a response within 24-48 hours. We’ll either schedule your consultation or your first session, depending on your preference. I’ll also share any details you need ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect, no guesswork.